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Boating Improves Quality of Life

It’s a proven fact that recreational boating goes a long ways towards improving your quality of life. The minute you start to move forward on a boat, you’ll notice how easy it is to leave your troubles behind. Recreational boating fun provides a constructive outlet for entertainment that reduces stress and provides enriching opportunities for self discovery, whether it’s learning how to water ski or simply enjoying the warm glow of an evening sunset.

 

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The Boating Industries Association of Upstate New York is a group that is dedicated to the ways and means of enjoying boating in Central New York. We help both the Federal Government and the State Government spread information about rules and regulations of the day that concern boating or use of the great resources here in New York State, Lake Ontario, the Historic Erie Canal system or the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Finger Lakes. We look to promote the resources within our membership and protect the waterways that we love. If it’s about boating, it’s about us.

Top 10 Summer Watersport Safety Tips
for Skiers, Tubers, Wake and Kneeboarders

 These top 10 summer watersport safety tips for waterskiers, wakeboarders and tubers that will guarantee everyone has a great time:

1. Float first: Ensure anyone being towed has a properly fitting life jacket that won't ride up over a wearer's head if they take a spill. A Type III vest is best because it has the extra buckles to provide a snug fit and is built for taking a hard fall.

2. Talk to the hand: A rider has very little control over a tube, and skiiers and boarders need control help, too. Before anyone jumps in the water, go over a few standard hand signals, such as stop (hand slashing the neck), slow (thumb down), speed up (thumb up), OK (tip of index finger and thumb together), turn (point finger upwards in a circular motion) and return to dock (pat head).

3. Engine off: Always turn off the boat's engine when a rider is entering or exiting the water. Not only can a prop rotate while the motor is in "neutral," the engine exhaust produces carbon monoxide. Also never back up to retrieve a fallen rider.

4. Wait for the OK: Once a skier is in the water, wait until they are far enough away from the boat and signal that it's OK to start the engine.

5. Spotter is a must: It's very important to have constant visual contact with anyone being towed. It's also the law in most states.

6. Look before turning: Let's face it. It's the turns that really make watersports fun. But don't leave those at the end of towline guessing when the next turn is coming. The hand signal for turning is a pointing finger upwards in a circular motion, then pointing to the direction of turn.

7. Think big: Keep in mind that with kids on the end of long towline, your boat's safety "footprint" is now much larger. That means being extra cautious when near other boaters, docks, navigational aids, and crossing wakes.

8. Two head turns for every "drop": As soon as someone falls off the tube or a skier or boarder drops, the boat operator should always look to both sides before turning around for a pick-up.

9. Good to go: For riders after a knock down, clasp your hands over your head so those on the towboat know you are OK and ready for retrieval. In some states a red or orange "skier down" flag may need to be displayed.

10. Tip up and be seen: A skier who has fallen in the water can seen by others much more easily if they keep the ski tips above the water.

 

Why Are Boat Shows Held In The Middle Of WInter?
When looking at the Central New York boat show calendar, you see there are a significant number of boat shows within the first quarter of the year and many might wonder, “Why hold a boat show in the dead of winter?” That question comes up often especially from folks in Central New York – who are usually battling snow and ice and thinking about hot chocolate not hot weather during the winter boat show season. 

There are numerous reasons to attend a winter show and all it takes is one or two reasons to motivate you to get your family and/or friends together and head to the show of your choice

  • Winter shows are popular because they offer the right timing when purchasing a new boat. Ordering early allows you to select features, colors and options and still ensure delivery by spring launch time. If you wait, you may not find the model and/or options you prefer.
  • Marine businesses are motivated to make sales at boat shows. They have ordered their new-model year boats and motors and want to sell inventory during the winter months. Many offer special show pricing and manufacturer incentives. Generally, this is also a great time to make a deal on new previous year models in inventory. 
  • Be the first to see new and innovative product just introduced. Many new designs or creative new products are launched during winter shows.
  • Attending a boat show is the most productive method to physically see hundreds of boats, trailers, motors, boating accessories, marine services, gifts, destinations, etc. in a shorter period of time with the least amount of expense. Think of the time and money you would spend to visit each of the boat dealers and marinas individually. At a boat show you can see it all under one roof.
  • If you are considering boating as a recreational option, boat shows offer a tremendous learning experience for new boaters through exhibitor’s products and services.  
  • Winter boat shows offer a taste of summer during our coldest Syracuse months. Walk into the show and feel the warmth, see the boats, hear the music, experience the special attractions and participate in the promotions. Make the boat show your winter rendezvous to meet up with boating friends and get a mid-winter taste of summer fun to come.

Saving on Fuel
With rising gas prices and the environment top of mind for today's consumer, boaters are using their boats in different ways than in years past. Boaters are considering ways to reduce fuel consumption while on the water, including reducing cruising speed, tuning the engine and taking shorter trips. Unlike driving a car, a boat's engine is often idle or turned off while anchoring, floating or at the dock (all three of which are some of boaters' favorite on-the-water activities). An average size powerboat uses about 20 gallons of gas over an entire weekend. A $1 increase in gas means they will spend just $20 more. Boaters are beginning to buy engines that better match their boats. If engines have to be run at near or open throttle most of the time, its too small for the boat and its load and fuel consumption and emissions will exceed normal standards.

Quick Tips For Reducing Fuel Usage: 

  • Slower speeds on the water will reduce fuel usage. 
  • Proper use of trim tabs reduce drag, especially while accelerating up to planing speeds. 
  • Minimize the amount of time that you idle at the dock 
  • Minimize the use of onboard generators. 
  • Use dock-side electrical power in lieu of generators. 
  • Have a float plan so you know exactly where you’re going. 
  • Make sure the hull is clean. 
  • Don’t under-power your boat. It’s important you have enough motor to handle the load. 
  • Check your propeller. If your boat is slow "out of the hole" or lacks top-end speed, you might have the wrong propeller. 
  • A well-tuned engine uses less fuel.
  • Use the grade of gasoline specified by the engine manufacturer. 

 

  
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